Acts 2:41-42

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 2:37-41

We have seen the wonderful effect of the pouring out of the Spirit, in its influence upon the preachers of the gospel. Peter, in all his life, never spoke at the rate that he had done now, with such fulness, perspicuity, and power. We are now to see another blessed fruit of the pouring out of the Spirit in its influence upon the hearers of the gospel. From the first delivery of that divine message, it appeared that there was a divine power going along with it, and it was mighty, through God,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 2:42-47

We often speak of the primitive church, and appeal to it, and to the history of it; in these verses we have the history of the truly primitive church, of the first days of it, its state of infancy indeed, but, like that, the state of its greatest innocence. I. They kept close to holy ordinances, and abounded in all instances of piety and devotion, for Christianity, admitted in the power of it, will dispose the soul to communion with God in all those ways wherein he has appointed us to meet him... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 2:14-41

(i) There was kerugma ( Greek #2782 ). Kerugma ( Greek #2782 ) literally means a herald's announcement and is the plain statement of the facts of the Christian message, about which, as the early preachers saw it, there can be no argument or doubt. (ii) There was didache ( Greek #1322 ). Didache ( Greek #1322 ) literally means teaching and elucidated the meaning of the facts which had been proclaimed. (iii) There was paraklesis ( Greek #3874 ) which literally means... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 2:42-47

2:42-47 They persevered in listening to the apostles' teaching, in the fellowship. in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Awe was in every soul; and many signs and wonders were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and they were in the habit of selling their goods and possessions and of distributing them amongst all as each had need. Daily they continued with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house they received their food with joy and in sincerity... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word ,.... The Syriac version adds, "and believed"; what Peter said concerning repentance and baptism, and especially concerning remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost; and concerning the promise of Christ, and salvation by him, of the pardon of sin, and of the Holy Spirit; which doctrine they received with great joy and gladness, it being suitable to their case; and very "readily", and "willingly", as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 2:42

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine ,.... And which is the same with the doctrine of Christ, of which he is the author, preacher, and subject; the substance of which is peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation by him: this the apostles received from Christ, and constantly taught in their ministry; for which reason, it is called theirs; and this these young converts had embraced gladly; and were not only believers of it, but persevering believers; they were constant... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:41

They that gladly received his word - The word ασμενως , which signifies joyfully, readily, willingly, implies that they approved of the doctrine delivered; that they were glad to hear of this way of salvation; and that they began immediately to act according to its dictates. This last sense is well expressed in a similar phrase by Josephus: when speaking of the young Israelites enticing the Midianitish women to sin, by fair speeches, he says, αἱ δε ασμενως δεξαμεναι τους λογους συνῃεσαν... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:42

They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine - They received it, retained it, and acted on its principles. And fellowship - Κοινωνιᾳ , community; meaning association for religious and spiritual purposes, The community of goods cannot be meant; for this is mentioned Acts 2:44 , Acts 2:45 , where it is said, they had all things common. And in breaking of bread - Whether this means the holy eucharist, or their common meals, it is difficult to say. The Syriac understands... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:41

Verse 41 41.They, therefore, which willingly. Luke showeth more plainly how fruitful this one sermon which Peter made was: to wit, that it gained unto Christ about three thousand men. And therewithal he declareth the nature and force of faith when he saith, that with a prompt and ready (136) mind they embraced his word. Therefore, faith must begin with this readiness and willing desire to obey. And because many do show themselves at the first very willing, who afterward have in themselves no... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 2:42

Verse 42 42.In their doctrine Luke doth not only commend in them the constancy of faith or of godliness, but he saith, also, that they did constantly give themselves to those exercises which serve to the confirmation of faith; to wit, that they studied continually to profit by hearing the apostles; that they gave themselves much to prayer; that they did use fellowship and breaking of bread very much. As touching prayer and doctrine the sense is plain. Communication or fellowship, and breaking... read more

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